As a thundercloud moves over the surface of the Earth, an electric charge equal to but opposite the charge of the base of the thundercloud is induced in the Earth below the cloud. The induced ground charge follows the movement of the cloud,
remaining underneath it.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
if we can generate this opposite electric charge on an stationary ground unit then lightning will strike this unit from passing by clouds. the only problem is how to generate equal charge. but then will it be profitable?